Light socket to power outlet adapter... sketchy?

AnalogousGumdropDecoder · Post by **AnalogousGumdropDecoder** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:04 pm

My band just lost our practice space, and one of the guys got a storage unit. The problem is, there's no power adapter - just a light fixture. They're talking about using an adapter to get power from the light socket. A google search returned a bunch of pictures of what appears to be the screw-on part of a light bulb attached to a 2-prong outlet. I don't know much about electrical stuff, but I'm a little nervous about running three amps and a small PA out of a 2-prong jack sticking out of a light fixture. Is my concern reasonable, or is this totally safe?

kslight · Post by **kslight** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:36 pm

Yes one of these curious, cheesy devices was installed in my garage when I moved into my house to power one of my garage door openers....it was promptly removed...

I think your suspicions are valid, it doesn't sound like a terribly great idea to use it for your amps and PA. Why don't you talk to the folks that run the storage unit and see if they can provide you with a better power solution...either another unit or some kind of extension cable? Never hurts to ask.

;ivlunsdystf · Post by **;ivlunsdystf** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:56 pm

the issue is grounding. you need grounds on those amps or you will be near death at all times when you are near them. a light socket won't do the trick for the grounding you need.

Snarl 12/8 · Post by **Snarl 12/8** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 4:59 pm

;ivlunsdystf wrote:the issue is grounding. you need grounds on those amps or you will be near death at all times when you are near them. a light socket won't do the trick for the grounding you need.

That's not the only issue. There's also the question of wire size. Have you seen the stranded wire that connects most light sockets to the romex? The fixture probably says "rated for one 60 watt bulb" or similar on it. Now, my guess is that that is a very conservative estimate, but not 3 amps and a PA conservative.

goose134 · Post by **goose134** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:42 pm

Agree with all responses so far. I think if you were plugging a battery charger or a lamp, I wouldn't worry. But amps and PA? I vote no go.

Nick Sevilla · Post by **Nick Sevilla** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 8:40 pm

Only use it for the light bulb.

Unless you like setting things on fire, that is...

AnalogousGumdropDecoder · Post by **AnalogousGumdropDecoder** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:49 pm

As I suspected. Thanks.

vvv · Post by **vvv** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 4:28 am

But if you do use it, of course, record the results!

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Light socket to power outlet adapter... sketchy?

Light socket to power outlet adapter... sketchy?

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